Diesel returning to full-size Ford vans

From AB


Ford Brings New Solutions to Help Fleet Customers Manage Costs; New
Transit to Get 25+ Percent Better Fuel Economy

Ford's expanding lineup of fuel-efficient engines and alternative-fuel
technologies – including EcoBoost®, hybrid, plug-in hybrid,
battery-electric, B20 biodiesel and CNG/LPG – leads the industry in
reducing emissions and operating costs for rental, government and
commercial fleet customers

In addition to Ford's award-winning, fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost
V6 engine, the U.S.-built Ford Transit cargo and passenger vans also
will feature a new diesel engine option when production starts in
2013

The new Transit vans will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel
economy compared to similar E-Series vans, thanks to advanced
powertrains and smart weight savings

Ford fleet experts have developed a new tool designed to give
customers a clear picture of annual fuel costs and fleet emissions
based on location, fuel source and vehicle application

DETROIT, March 27, 2012 – Ford's industry-leading lineup of
fuel-efficient engines and alternative-fuel technologies for fleet
customers will further expand next year when the all-new Ford Transit
commercial van comes to market with a new clean diesel and EcoBoost®
V6 engine. The new Transit will achieve at least 25 percent better
fuel economy than current E-Series vans.

"With fleet operators facing skyrocketing fuel prices and
constant pressure to reduce costs, Ford continues to expand its
range," said Kevin Koswick, director, North American Fleet, Lease
and Remarketing Operations for Ford. "By offering multiple
options to help solve these challenges, Ford is giving fleet customers
true power of choice in finding solutions that best meet their
specific needs."

Speaking to the Automotive Press Association in Detroit today, Koswick
said Ford is committed to continuing to provide customers a range of
options to reduce their operating costs through a lineup of
industry-leading fuel-efficient engines and alternative-fuel
technologies, including EcoBoost, hybrid, plug-in hybrid,
battery-electric, biodiesel and CNG/LPG.

Diesel engine for new Ford Transit
To meet diverse needs in the full-size van segment, Ford has confirmed
it will offer an all-new North American diesel engine option for the
new Ford Transit cargo and passenger vans when production starts in
Kansas City in 2013. This will be in addition to the fuel-efficient,
powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine that is already winning
raves from Ford F-150 customers.

The return of a diesel engine option to Ford's full-size van lineup
answers customers' calls for more choice when seeking a van with
superior fuel economy and balanced capability.

In addition, EcoBoost technology is fundamental to the Ford strategy
of providing technologically advanced, high-output,
smaller-displacement gasoline powertrains that deliver exceptional
fuel economy and uncompromised performance.

Overall, the new Transit will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel
economy compared to similar E-Series vans, due to its advanced gas and
diesel powertrains and smart weight savings that will trim at least
300 pounds. That means commercial and retail customers could save
potentially thousands of dollars in operating costs from fuel savings
alone.

In addition to the new Transit, certain E-Series bodystyles will
continue to be available through most of the decade in North America,
even after the U.S.-built Transit goes on sale.

Fleet emissions calculator
Beyond providing fleet customers with a range of fuel-efficient engine
choices for vans and other vehicles, Ford also has developed a
specialized new tool to help optimize fleet purchases based on
specific fuel types and operating locations.

Called the Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Cost Calculator, the new tool is
designed to help fleet customers understand their current carbon
footprint and to model various scenarios based on the types of
vehicles they choose for their fleets. The tool incorporates important
information to evaluate fuel costs and emissions, providing a unique
opportunity for fleet managers to quickly evaluate multiple options.

The Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Cost Calculator utilizes such
information as vehicle type, fuel type and traffic conditions
(stop-and-go city traffic or on the highway, for instance), along with
the geographic region in which the car will be used to generate
information about the efficiency of a fleet.

The proprietary program, which must be used in conjunction with the
support of a Ford representative, will create customized scenarios for
customers by using special formulas and variables to determine the
environmental impact and fuel costs of specific vehicles.

"This tool will help our customers make the most informed
purchase decision possible – one that will meet their business needs,
help promote energy security and help protect the environment,"
said Sandy Winkler, senior researcher with Ford Research and
Innovation and developer of the tool.

For example, the tool can demonstrate how operating an electric
vehicle in Portland, Ore., has different environmental ramifications
from operating one in Philadelphia. This is due to hydropower being a
common source of electricity in the Pacific Northwest, reducing carbon
dioxide emissions, compared with the mostly coal-based electricity
used in the East Central region.

Built – and building – Ford Tough
Ford has gained major market share in key commercial vehicle segments
as the economy rebounds from the industry lows of 2009. In vans, where
Ford E-Series has been the best-seller for 32 years, market share grew
from 49.8 percent in 2008 to 53.7 percent in 2011, even as new
competitors entered the market.

Ford F-Series has been the best-selling truck for 35 years and the
best-selling vehicle for 30 years.

The Ford F-150 – the most fuel-efficient light-duty pickup truck – is
able to tow up to 11,300 pounds with either a traditional 6.2-liter V8
or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that is rated at up to 22 mpg on the
highway. Additionally, the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 engines are
flex fuel-capable.

The entire Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup truck and chassis cab
lineup is available with gasoline, diesel, biodiesel B20 and
CNG/LPG-dedicated or bi-fuel capability, while Ford F-650 and F-750
medium-duty trucks can be optioned for gasoline, biodiesel or CNG/LPG
operation. In addition to biodiesel and CNG/LPG offerings, the
6.2-liter V8 can also be operated on E85.

E-Series full-size vans and cutaways are available with flex fuel or
CNG/LPG gaseous engine prep package fuel systems.